(John 15:5) "I am the vine, ye are the
branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much
fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."

This statement has been used to teach that the
branches mentioned are the various denominational churches that exist today.
That is a false conception. We must consider the context when studying the
scriptures. Who is being spoken to? If you will go back to the 31st verse of
chapter 13 you will find this to be the beginning of a conversation between
Jesus and the eleven disciples and which continues through the 17th chapter.
So, when he says, "Ye are the branches" he is addressing them.

He had told them of another Comforter, the Holy
Spirit, which he would send them to guide them into all truth and bring to
their remembrance all things that he had spoken to them. He would be the source
of all they were to teach, the vine, and they were the branches, the messengers
of the gospel. They would be charged with the responsibility of "teaching
all nations." That teaching would produce much fruit or have great
results. You might say, in a round about way, we who today serve Him in harmony
with his will, are the fruit of their labors.

He concludes that thought by saying, "Herein
is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye
keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my
Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto
you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full"
(John 15:8-11).